Catherine Mackinlay

A fire at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford killed three animals—a group of stick insects, a hedgehog and a snake that were the owners' personal pets. Zoo owner Will Dorrell said the office was completely gutted, while an aviary sustained limited damage. His wife and father were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. The fire's cause remains unknown, and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was credited with preventing it from spreading to nearby timber buildings. The zoo planned to reopen while restoration work continued and offered to reschedule affected bookings.

Zoo owners Andy and Tracey Johnson issued a public statement expressing distress over the incident in which a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst. They thanked emergency services, visitors and staff for their rapid response and support. The child remains in stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released on bail as investigations continue. The zoo’s Tropical House has since reopened after being closed out of respect for the family.

Groupia Ltd, a UK-based group travel company, has entered administration after 24 years, leading to widespread holiday and event cancellations. Bookings scheduled on or before August 31 are expected to proceed through arrangements made with ABTOT, while all bookings from September 1 onward will be cancelled and refunded. Customers who paid by card may be able to claim refunds through their providers, while others must file claims with Gallagher Bassett, with processing times of up to six weeks.